Inkjet recording device and method for controlling the same

Abstract

To notify a user of a necessity for replacement of an ink tank at appropriate timing.SOLUTION: A recording device comprises: supply means which performs: first supply processing for supplying ink from a first ink tank to a first buffer tank in such a manner that a liquid level in the first buffer tank reached an upper limit position, when it is estimated that the liquid level in the first buffer tank has reached a lower limit position; and second supply processing for supplying remaining ink in a second ink tank to a second buffer tank in such a manner that the liquid level exceeds an upper limit position in the second buffer tank, in accordance with amounts of ink in the second ink tank and amounts of ink in the second buffer tank, when it is estimated that the first ink tank has run out of ink; and notifying means which notifies a user of a necessity for replacement of the first ink tank and the second ink tank after executing the second supply processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inkjet printing apparatus and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Inkjet recording devices equipped with print heads that eject ink of multiple colors are available. Inkjet recording devices are required to record continuously for long periods of time on recording media, such as roll paper or cut paper. Long-term recording requires an ink tank or multiple buffer tanks that can store large amounts of ink. However, such a configuration results in a large device size, which can result in insufficient installation space and high costs. Furthermore, because different inks are used at different frequencies, the timing for refilling each ink varies. Therefore, users must replace or refill ink tanks each time an ink tank runs out.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a technology in which, when an empty ink tank is detected, if the remaining ink level in other ink tanks is below a predetermined level, the device waits until the ink in the ink tank is empty, and then outputs instructions to replace multiple ink tanks all at once. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-74011 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires that the ink tank that has become empty waits until the ink remaining in the other ink tanks has been consumed before replacing it, which means that if there is a difference in the amount of ink consumed between the ink tanks, the timing of replacement may not come as expected by the user.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to notify the user of the need to replace an ink tank at an appropriate time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A recording device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first recording head and a second recording head that eject ink, a first buffer tank and a second buffer tank that are provided corresponding to the first recording head and the second recording head and that store ink to be supplied to the first recording head and the second recording head, respectively, a first ink tank and a second ink tank that are provided corresponding to the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank and that store ink to be supplied to the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank, respectively, and that are configured to be attachable and detachable, a first estimation unit that estimates the amount of ink in the first ink tank and the second ink tank, and a second estimation unit that estimates the amount of ink in the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank. The ink tank includes a second estimation means, a supply means for executing a first supply process for supplying ink from the first ink tank to the first buffer tank in an amount until the liquid level in the first buffer tank reaches an upper limit position when the second estimation means estimates that the liquid level in the first buffer tank has reached a lower limit position, and a second supply process for supplying residual ink in the second ink tank in accordance with the amount of ink in the second ink tank and the amount of ink in the second buffer tank to a liquid level that exceeds the upper limit position when the first estimation means estimates that the ink in the first ink tank is empty, and an informing means for informing the replacement of the first ink tank and the second ink tank after executing the second supply process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to notify the user at an appropriate time that an ink tank needs to be replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating a recording device. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a second print head and a second ink supply device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first print head and a first ink supply device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram including a control configuration of the printing apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing notification control when an ink tank is replaced. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components.

[0011] <Configuration of recording device> FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating an inkjet recording apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as recording apparatus 100) according to this embodiment. The recording apparatus 100 is an apparatus that performs recording on continuous paper (hereinafter referred to as roll paper) 111, which is capable of continuous recording. In this embodiment, the recording apparatus 100 includes a paper feed device 104 that transports the roll paper 111, a white recording station 112 that performs recording with white ink, and a color recording station 113 that performs recording with color inks. The recording apparatus 100 also includes a paper discharge device 105 that winds up the roll paper 111, and an operation unit 101. The white recording station 112 includes a first recording head 102 that performs recording with white ink, and a first ink supply device 114 that supplies liquid (ink) to the first recording head 102. In the example shown in FIG. 1, two first recording heads 102 are provided. The color recording medium 113 includes second recording heads 103 that record with color inks, and second ink supply devices 115 that supply liquid (ink) to the second recording heads 103. In the first example, five second recording heads 103 are provided.

[0012] The paper feed device 104 is a device that supplies roll paper 111 to the white storage 112 and the color storage 113. The paper feed device 104 rotates the paper tube of the roll paper 111 around a rotation axis 117, and transports the roll paper 111 wound around the paper tube toward the white storage 112 at a constant speed via multiple rollers (transport rollers, paper feed rollers, etc.).

[0013] The paper discharge device 105 is a device that winds up the roll paper 111 transported from the color recording center 113 around a paper tube. In the paper discharge device 105, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the roll paper 111 is wound around a paper tube of a rotating shaft 118 and held in a roll shape. The paper discharge device 105 rotates the roll paper 111 around the rotating shaft 118, and winds the roll paper 111 transported on the paper tube around the rotating shaft 118 at a constant speed as a finished roll paper via multiple rollers (e.g., transport rollers, paper discharge rollers).

[0014] Before printing begins, the roll paper 111 is passed from the paper feed device 104 to the paper discharge device 105. First, the roll paper 111 is set in the paper feed device 104, and the leading edge of the roll paper 111 is passed over the skew correction device 110. Next, in the white recording center 112, the roll paper 111 passes under the first inkjet recording head 102, under the first drying device 106, and over the first cooling device 108, in that order. Next, in the color recording center 113, the roll paper 111 passes under the timing mark detection device 120, under the second recording head 103, under the second drying device 107, and over the second cooling device 109, in that order. The roll paper 111 then passes through the scanner device 116 and is wound around the paper discharge device 105, completing the preparation of the roll paper 111.

[0015] After the roll paper 111 is passed through the recording device 100, a print job is submitted to the control PC 119 of the recording device 100. After the print job is submitted, when the print start button is pressed on the operation unit 101, the recording device 100 starts recording.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the second print head 103 and second ink supply device 115 in the color print head 113 according to this embodiment. The second ink supply device 115 includes an ink tank 201, a buffer tank 202, a float sensor 203, and a supply pump 204. In this embodiment, five second print heads 103 are provided. The multiple second print heads 103 eject different types of liquid. Specifically, the second print heads 103 include, from upstream in the transport direction of the roll paper 111, a second print head (Pr print head) 103a that ejects Pr (primer liquid) and a second print head (Bk print head) 103b that ejects Bk (black ink). The second printhead 103 includes a second printhead (C printhead) 103c that ejects C (cyan ink), a second printhead (M printhead) 103d that ejects M (magenta ink), and a second printhead (Y printhead) 103e that ejects Y (yellow ink). Hereinafter, when describing individual components, a subnumber will be added to the end of the reference numeral, such as second printhead 103a, but the subnumber will be omitted for details common to each head. The buffer tank 202, float sensor 203, and supply pump 204 will also be described with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the second printheads 103 are described as ejecting different liquids, but they may also be configured to eject the same type of liquid. The number of second printheads 103 is not limited to five. It is sufficient to have multiple printheads installed, including the first printhead 102 of the white printhead 112 described below.

[0017] In this specification, the recording head in the color recording center 113 is referred to as the second recording head, and the recording head in the white recording center 112 is referred to as the first recording head, but the names first and second are used for convenience. The recording head in the color recording center 113 may also be referred to as the first recording head. To distinguish the recording heads within the color recording center 113, any two recording heads in the color recording center 113 may be referred to as the first recording head and the second recording head. Furthermore, the recording head in the white recording center 112 may be referred to as the third recording head. In the following description, the recording head in the color recording center 113 will be referred to as the second recording head, and the recording head in the white recording center 112 will be referred to as the first recording head.

[0018] The ink tanks 201 are removable liquid storage tanks provided to replenish the recording device 100 with ink from the outside. Ink tank 201a stores Pr, ink tank 201b stores Bk, ink tank 201c stores C, ink tank 201d stores M, and ink tank 201e stores Y. The ink (liquid) in the ink tanks 201 is supplied to the buffer tank 202 by the driving force of a supply pump 204. That is, the ink in ink tank 201a is supplied to buffer tank 202a by the driving force of supply pump 204a. The ink in ink tank 201b is supplied to buffer tank 202b by the driving force of supply pump 204b. The ink in ink tank 201c is supplied to buffer tank 202c by the driving force of supply pump 204c. The ink in ink tank 201d is supplied to buffer tank 202d by the driving force of supply pump 204d. Ink from the ink tank 201e is supplied to the buffer tank 202e by the driving force of a supply pump 204e. The buffer tank 202 is provided with a float sensor 203. That is, the buffer tanks 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, and 202e are provided with float sensors 203a, 203b, 203c, 203d, and 203e, respectively. When the float sensor 203 detects that the amount of ink stored in the buffer tank 202 has decreased below a predetermined amount, ink is supplied from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202. Ink to be ejected by the second printhead 103 is supplied from the buffer tank 202 via an ink flow path.

[0019] In this embodiment, each float sensor 203 includes five floats arranged in the direction of gravity. Specifically, from bottom to top in the direction of gravity, the floats are a first float 211, a second float 212, a third float 213, a fourth float 214, and a fifth float 215. Each of the first float 211, the second float 212, the third float 213, the fourth float 214, and the fifth float 215 includes a shaft that penetrates and supports the float. A magnetic switch is provided inside the shaft that penetrates and supports the float. Each of the floats 211 to 215 has a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid (ink) stored therein. Therefore, each of the floats 211 to 215 moves in the direction of gravity (up and down) according to the liquid level of the liquid (ink) in the buffer tank 202.

[0020] Each float 211-215 is configured so that when it is displaced upward in accordance with the liquid level, the corresponding magnetic switch can detect the liquid level. In this example, the liquid level in the buffer tank 202 is detected in accordance with the displacement of the float that is relatively higher in the direction of gravity. For example, when the liquid level of the second float 212 is detected, the liquid level of the first float 211 is also detected. When the liquid levels of the first float 211 and the second float 212 are detected, but the liquid level of the third float 213 is not detected, it is determined that the liquid level in the buffer tank 202 is equal to or higher than the second float 212 and lower than the third float 213.

[0021] The role of each float will be explained below. The third float 213 (213a, 213b, 213c, 213d, 213e) is used to detect the lower limit of the timing to start supplying ink from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202. In other words, when ink is consumed due to printing from the second printhead 103, for example, and it is detected that the liquid level is lower than the third float 213, ink supply from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202 begins. The fourth float 214 (214a, 214b, 214c, 214d, 214e) is used to detect the upper limit of ink supply from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202. In other words, when it is detected by the displacement of the third float that the liquid level in the buffer tank 202 has reached the lower limit, ink is supplied from the ink tank 201 up to the upper limit position in the buffer tank. When the displacement of the fourth float 214 causes the ink supply to reach the upper limit position, the ink supply from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202 is stopped. In this way, the amount of ink in the buffer tank 202 is adjusted using the third float 213 and the fourth float 214. Thereafter, when it is detected that the ink has been consumed and the liquid level is lower than the third float 213, ink is again supplied from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202 up to the upper limit position of the fourth float 214. In this way, in the color recording center 113, ink is supplied from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202 whenever the remaining amount of ink in the buffer tank 202 falls below a predetermined amount.

[0022] The first float 211 (211a, 211b, 211c, 211d, 211e) is used for end error detection to notify the user that recording should be stopped. When displacement of the first float 211 is detected, a notification is issued that recording should be stopped because the ink has run out, and control to stop recording is performed. The second float 212 (212a, 212b, 212c, 212d, 212e) is used for near-end detection before the ink in the buffer tank 202 runs out. When displacement of the second float 212 is detected, a notification is issued that the ink is about to run out. The fifth float 215 (215a, 215b, 215c, 215d, 215e) is used for detecting leakage of ink in the buffer tank 202. As described above, ink is supplied from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202 up to the upper limit position in the buffer tank. For this reason, it is not expected that displacement of the fifth float 215 will be detected in normal use. In other words, detection of displacement of the fifth float 215 in the leakage prevention position would occur, for example, when a motor or sensor breaks down. Therefore, when displacement of the fifth float 215 is detected, control is performed to stop the recording device 100.

[0023] As described above, in this embodiment, the float sensor 203 can estimate the amount of ink in the buffer tank 202. Furthermore, the ink supply control unit 409 (FIG. 4), which will be described later, can estimate the amount of ink supplied from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202 using the drive amount of each supply pump 204. Because the initial amount of ink in the ink tank 201 is known, the amount of ink in the ink tank 201 can be estimated by estimating the amount of ink supplied from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202. In other words, the ink supply control unit 409 can be used as a first estimation unit for estimating the amount of ink in each ink tank. Furthermore, the float sensor 203 can be used as a second estimation unit for estimating the amount of ink in the buffer tank. While this embodiment describes an example in which the float sensor 203 is used to estimate the amount of ink in the buffer tank 202, this is not limiting, and other sensors, such as a capacitance detection sensor, may also be used. Furthermore, when estimating the amount of ink in the ink tank 201, a float sensor similar to the float sensor 203 disposed in the buffer tank 202 may be provided.

[0024] The configuration of the second recording head 103 and the second ink supply device 115 in the color recording head 113 has been described above.

[0025] 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the first recording head 102 and the first ink supply device 114 in the white recording center 112. The configuration of the first recording head 102 and the first ink supply device 114 in the white recording center 112 is the same as the configuration described in the color recording center 113. In this embodiment, two first recording heads 102 are provided. From upstream in the transport direction of the roll paper 111, the first recording heads 102 are a WPr (white primer liquid) recording head 102f and a W (white) recording head 102g.

[0026] The ink tank 201f contains WPr, and the ink tank 201g contains W. Ink (liquid) in the ink tank 201 is supplied to the buffer tank 202 by the driving force of the supply pump 204. That is, the liquid in the ink tank 201f is supplied to the buffer tank 202f by the driving force of the supply pump 204f. The ink in the ink tank 201g is supplied to the buffer tank 202g by the driving force of the supply pump 204g. The buffer tank 202 is provided with a float sensor 203. That is, the buffer tanks 202f and 202g are provided with float sensors 203f and 203g, respectively. The liquid (ink) ejected by the first print head 102 is supplied from the buffer tank 202 via an ink flow path.

[0027] Here, in the configuration of the white ink storage 112 for W ink, when it is detected that the liquid level in the white buffer tank 202g has fallen below the lower limit, a notification is issued to replace the ink tank 201g. Then, control is performed to supply all of the white ink stored in the newly installed ink tank 201g to the buffer tank 202g using the supply pump 204g. Because white ink contains sedimentary components, it is necessary to quickly supply liquid to the buffer tank 202g from the ink tank 201g that has been agitated by, for example, shaking the ink tank 201g before installation. Note that agitation is performed in the white ink buffer tank 202g to maintain a uniform concentration.

[0028] In this way, all of the white ink in the ink tank 201g is supplied to the buffer tank 202g at once. For this reason, the capacity of the ink tank 201g for white ink is smaller than the amount determined by "the amount detected by the fifth float 215 (for preventing leakage)" minus "the amount detected by the third float 213 (for detecting the lower limit)" in the buffer tank 202g for white ink. In other words, even if all of the white ink in the ink tank 201g is supplied to the buffer tank 202g after the displacement of the third float 213 is detected, the ink tank 201g contains an amount of white ink that does not reach the position at which the fifth float 215 is displaced.

[0029] The capacity of the ink tank 201 in the color archive 113 is not restricted by the capacity associated with the buffer tank 202, as is the case with the white ink ink tank 201. Similarly, the capacity of the ink tank 201 for white primer liquid in the white archive 112 is not restricted by the capacity associated with the buffer tank 202, as is the case with the white ink ink tank 201.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the recording apparatus 100. The recording apparatus 100 includes a print engine unit 400 that controls the print engine and a controller unit 300 that controls the entire inkjet recording apparatus. The controller unit 300 includes a main controller 301, a host interface (IF) 302, an operation panel 303, a print engine IF 304, RAM 305, ROM 306, and an image processing unit 307. The print engine unit 400 includes a controller IF 401, a print controller 402, ROM 403, RAM 404, an image processing controller 405, and a head IF 406. The print engine unit 400 also includes a transport control unit 407, a head carriage control unit 408, an ink supply control unit 409, a maintenance control unit 410, and a scanner control unit 411. The print controller 402 controls various mechanisms of the print engine unit 400 according to instructions from the main controller 301 of the controller unit 300. The control configuration is described in detail below.

[0031] In the controller unit 300, a main controller 301, which may be implemented by a CPU, controls the entire printing apparatus using a RAM 305 as a work area in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 306. For example, when a print job is input from a host device 500 via a host interface 302, an image processor 307 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data in accordance with instructions from the main controller 301. The main controller 301 then transmits the processed image data to a print engine unit 400 via a print engine interface 304. The printing apparatus 100 may also acquire image data from a connected external storage device (such as a USB memory). The operation panel 303 corresponds to the operation unit 101 and is a mechanism through which a user can input and output data to and from the printing apparatus 100. The user can use the operation panel 303 to instruct printing or paper feed operations, set a printing mode, and view information about the printing apparatus. The operation panel 303 is a touch panel, and a mouse or keyboard can also be connected for input. The operation panel 303 may also be provided with a speaker, and the display and sound are controlled according to instructions from the main controller 301, and can be used as a notification means for notifying the user.

[0032] In the print engine unit 400, a print controller 402, which is implemented by a CPU, controls various mechanisms using RAM 404 as a work area in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in ROM 403. When various commands and image data are received via a controller interface 401, the print controller 402 temporarily stores the received data in RAM 404. The print controller 402 then causes an image processing controller 405 to convert the stored image data into print data so that the first print head 102 and the second print head 103 can use the data for printing. Once the print data is generated, the print controller 402 causes the first print head 102 and the second print head 103 to perform printing based on the print data via a head interface 406. At this time, the print controller 402 drives the paper feed device 104 and paper discharge device 105 (shown in FIG. 1) via a transport control unit 407 to transport the roll paper 111, which is a printing medium. The print controller 402 also drives the heaters in the first drying device 106 and the second drying device 107 and the fans in the first cooling device 108 and the second cooling device 109 via the transport control unit 407 to dry and cool the transported paper. Furthermore, the transport control unit 407 can detect the transport amount from an encoder provided on the transport roller. In accordance with instructions from the print controller 402, the first recording head 102 and the second recording head 103 perform printing operations in conjunction with the roll paper transport operation.

[0033] The first print head 102 and the second print head 103 are configured to be movable in the direction of gravity (vertical direction). The first print head 102 and the second print head 103 descend when printing and ascend when performing maintenance or standby. The head carriage control unit 408 changes the vertical positions of the first print head 102 and the second print head 103 depending on the operating state of the printing device 100, such as maintenance or printing. The ink supply control unit 409 controls the pressure of ink supplied to the first print head 102 and the second print head 103 to be within an appropriate range in accordance with instructions from the print controller 402. Furthermore, the ink supply control unit 409 also manages the amount of ink in the first ink supply device 114 and the second ink supply device 115 and controls notification of ink tank replacement. The ink supply control unit 409 also controls the ink supply process within the ink supply device. When performing maintenance operations on the first print head 102 and the second print head 103, the maintenance control unit 410 moves a maintenance unit below the lifted print heads and controls head maintenance operations such as capping or wiping.

[0034] The scanner control unit 411 controls the scanner device 116. If the image data to be printed is a test pattern, which is a pattern for calculating various correction values, the print controller 402 instructs the conveyance control unit 407 to slow down the conveyance speed. Furthermore, the scanner device 116, which has received an instruction from the print controller 402 regarding the timing to read the test pattern printed on the roll paper, captures an image and stores the recorded image in RAM 404. The print controller 402 executes a process of calculating various correction values ​​using the stored recorded image. The obtained correction values ​​are passed from the print controller 402 to the image processing controller 405, where they are reflected in the printing operation.

[0035] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of notification control when an ink tank is replaced according to this embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 5 is implemented by the ink supply control unit 409 by loading a program stored in ROM 403 into RAM 404 and executing it. In the following description, the ink supply control unit 409 is assumed to be the main processing unit, but this is not limited to this. The main controller 301 or the print controller 402 may control the ink supply control unit 409 to cause the ink supply control unit 409 to execute the process shown in FIG. 5. Some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 5 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process indicates a step in the flowchart.

[0036] The process shown in FIG. 5 is performed at regular time intervals after the recording device 100 starts operating (after the power is turned on). It is also performed after a recording operation has been performed. In other words, the process shown in FIG. 5 is performed periodically or irregularly. In FIG. 5, "N" corresponds to the number of ink colors (number of types of liquid) in the recording device 100. Specifically, in this embodiment, "N" corresponds to "7", which is the total number of the first recording head 102 and the second recording head 103.

[0037] In S501, the ink supply control unit 409 determines whether any of the N ink tanks 201 has zero remaining ink (whether any ink tanks are empty). In this example, the determination is made based on the amount of ink supplied from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202 and the capacity of the ink tank 201. If any ink tank 201 has zero remaining ink, the process proceeds to S502. If no ink tank 201 has zero remaining ink, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 5 ends. Note that in this embodiment, the entire amount of white ink is supplied from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202, so basically the process proceeds to S502.

[0038] In S502, the ink supply control unit 409 determines whether the liquid level in the white ink buffer tank 202g is below the lower limit. As described above, when the liquid level in the buffer tank 202g is below the lower limit, even if the entire amount of white ink in the ink tank 201g is supplied to the buffer tank 202g, the liquid level will not reach the fifth float 215g, which is used to prevent leakage. Therefore, if the liquid level in the white ink buffer tank 202g is below the lower limit, it is an appropriate time to replace the white ink ink tank 201g. Therefore, if it is determined in S502 that the liquid level in the white ink buffer tank 202g is below the lower limit, the process proceeds to S503. In S503, the ink supply control unit 409 adds the white ink ink tank to a replacement list. The replacement list is a list of ink tanks that are candidates for replacement. As will be described later, a notification urging the user to replace the ink tank will be sent to the ink tanks included in the replacement list. After S503, the process proceeds to S504. If it is determined in S502 that the liquid level in the white ink buffer tank g is not below the lower limit, the process also proceeds to S504.

[0039] In S504, the ink supply control unit 409 determines whether there is an ink tank 201 other than white ink whose remaining amount is zero. If it is determined that there is an ink tank 201 other than white ink whose remaining amount is zero, the process proceeds to S505. In S505, the ink supply control unit 409 adds the ink tank whose remaining amount is zero to the replacement list. Then, the process proceeds to S506. If the ink supply control unit 409 determines in S504 that there is no ink tank 201 other than white ink whose remaining amount is zero, the process proceeds to S506.

[0040] In S506, the ink supply control unit 409 determines whether any ink tanks 201 have been added to the replacement list. If no ink tanks 201 have been added to the replacement list, there are no ink tanks to be notified, and the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 ends. If any ink tanks 201 have been added to the replacement list, the processing proceeds to S507.

[0041] In general processing, for example, processing is performed to prompt the user to replace the ink tank 201 that has been added to the replacement list at the time of S506. However, in this embodiment, processing is performed to synchronize the timing of ink tank replacement even for ink tanks whose remaining amount has not reached 0. This makes it possible to notify the user of the need to replace multiple ink tanks at the same time. The explanation of the processing in Figure 5 continues below.

[0042] In S507, the ink supply control unit 409 determines whether there is an ink tank other than the white ink that is not included in the replacement list and whose remaining ink level is equal to or less than a first predetermined level. As mentioned above, since the entire amount of white ink is supplied, the remaining ink level in the white ink tank 201g is basically zero. Therefore, in S507, it is determined whether there is an ink tank other than the white ink whose remaining ink level is equal to or less than the first predetermined level. If it is determined that there is an ink tank whose remaining ink level is equal to or less than the first predetermined level, the process proceeds to S508. If it is determined that there is no ink tank whose remaining ink level is equal to or less than the first predetermined level, the process proceeds to S513. The first predetermined level may be different for each ink, or may be the same for each ink. The first predetermined level is determined based on the ink level that can be detected in the buffer tank 202 for that ink. For example, in the case of cyan ink, the first predetermined level is determined based on the ink level that can be detected in the buffer tank 202c. Specifically, the first predetermined amount is the amount determined by "the amount detected by the fifth float 215 for leak prevention detection" minus "the amount detected by the fourth float 214 for upper limit detection" of the ink buffer tank 202. As will be described later, for an ink tank 201 that has an amount equal to or less than the first predetermined amount, ink will be forcibly supplied when the liquid level of the corresponding buffer tank 202 is below the upper limit. In other words, even if ink is forcibly supplied, the amount within the range where the liquid level cannot be detected by the fifth float 215 for leak prevention detection will be the first predetermined amount.

[0043] In S508, the ink supply control unit 409 adds the ink tank 201 with the first predetermined amount or less to the list of candidates for which forced supply is possible. If there are multiple ink tanks 201 with the first predetermined amount or less, all of these multiple ink tanks 201 are added to the list of candidates for which forced supply is possible. The list of candidates for which forced supply is possible is a list that includes targets for which ink is to be supplied from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202, even if the liquid level in the buffer tank 202 is not below the lower limit. The replacement list and candidate list described above are saved in RAM 404. Note that the replacement list and candidate list are cleared when the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 5 ends. After S508, processing proceeds to S509.

[0044] In S509, the ink supply control unit 409 determines whether there are any buffer tanks 202 for which the upper limit of the ink level has not been detected among the buffer tanks 202 corresponding to the ink tanks 201 included in the list of candidates for which forced supply is possible. In other words, it determines whether there are any buffer tanks 202 for which the displacement has not been detected by the fourth float 214 for detecting the upper limit. As described above, for example, in the color recording center 113, when the lower limit of a buffer tank 202 is detected, the amount of ink supplied from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202 is sufficient to detect the upper limit of the buffer tank. If the upper limit of the buffer tank 202 has not been detected, the liquid level in that buffer tank 202 is below the fourth float 214 for detecting the upper limit. Also, the liquid level is above the third float 213 for detecting the lower limit. This is because, as described above, if the liquid level is below the third float 213 for detecting the lower limit, ink is being supplied from the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202. If it is determined in S509 that there is a buffer tank 202 for which the upper limit liquid level has not been detected, the process proceeds to S510. If it is determined in S509 that there is no buffer tank 202 for which the upper limit liquid level has not been detected, the process proceeds to S513.

[0045] In S510, the ink supply control unit 409 forcibly supplies the remaining ink stored in the ink tank 201 to the buffer tank 202 in the candidate list for which the upper limit of the ink level has not been detected. The amount of ink forcibly supplied is an amount that maximizes the "first predetermined amount" of the ink, as described in S508. As a result, the ink level is positioned above the level detected by the fourth float 214 for detecting the upper limit and below the level detected by the fifth float 215 for detecting leakage prevention. Note that, depending on the amount of ink stored in the ink tank 201 to be forcibly supplied, the ink may not be supplied above the level detected by the fourth float 214 for detecting the upper limit. In either case, in S510, the ink is forcibly supplied up to a level that exceeds the upper limit of the normal ink supply. Note that, if there are multiple buffer tanks 202 for which the upper limit of the ink level has not been detected, ink is forcibly supplied to all of those buffer tanks 202. After S510, the process proceeds to S511.

[0046] In S511, the ink supply control unit 409 determines whether there is any ink tank to which ink has been forcibly supplied and the remaining amount of ink has reached 0. If it is determined that there is no ink tank to which ink has been forcibly supplied and the remaining amount of ink has reached 0, the process proceeds to S513. If it is determined that there is any ink tank to which ink has been forcibly supplied and the remaining amount of ink has reached 0, the process proceeds to S512.

[0047] In S512, the ink supply control unit 409 adds the ink tank whose remaining amount has reached 0 to the replacement list. After S512, the process proceeds to S513.

[0048] In S513, the ink supply control unit 409 determines whether the remaining amount in the buffer tank 202 corresponding to the white ink tank not included in the replacement list is equal to or less than a second predetermined amount. The second predetermined amount in S513 is different from the first predetermined amount in S507. In S507, it was explained that the first predetermined amount is the amount determined by "the amount detected by the fifth float 215 for leak prevention detection" minus "the amount detected by the fourth float 214 for upper limit detection" of the buffer tank 202g. The second predetermined amount in S513 is the amount determined by "the amount detected by the fifth float 215 for leak prevention detection" minus "the amount detected by the third float 213 for lower limit detection" of the buffer tank 202g. As described above, for white ink, if the liquid level in the buffer tank 202g falls below the liquid level detected by the third float 213 for lower limit detection, the ink tank 201g is replaced. At this time, the entire amount of ink in the ink tank 201g is supplied to the buffer tank 202g. Therefore, if the remaining amount of ink in the buffer tank 202g is smaller than the amount determined by "the amount detected by the fifth float 215 for leak prevention detection" minus "the amount detected by the third float 213 for lower limit detection," there is no problem in replacing the buffer tank 202g before a normal ink tank replacement. In other words, even if the entire amount of ink in the ink tank 201g is supplied to the buffer tank 202g exceeding the upper limit, the ink level will not reach the level detected by the fifth float 215 for leak prevention detection. Therefore, if it is determined that the remaining amount of ink in the buffer tank 202g corresponding to a white ink tank not included in the replacement list is equal to or less than the second predetermined amount, the process proceeds to S514. Note that the remaining amount of ink in the buffer tank 202g corresponding to a white ink tank not included in the replacement list is higher than the level detected by the third float 213 for lower limit detection. This is because if the liquid level in the buffer tank 202g is below the level detected by the third float 213 for detecting the lower limit, it has already been added to the replacement list in S503. In other words, the processing of S513 can be said to be processing that essentially determines whether the remaining amount in the buffer tank 202g is below a predetermined amount and above the lower limit. In S514, the ink supply control unit 409 adds the white ink tank to the replacement list. After S514, the processing proceeds to S515.If it is determined in S513 that the remaining amount in the buffer tank 202 corresponding to the white ink tank not included in the replacement list is not equal to or less than the second predetermined amount, the process proceeds to S515.

[0049] In S515, the ink supply control unit 409 controls to issue a notification urging the user to replace an ink tank included in the replacement list. For example, the ink supply control unit 409 displays a message urging the user to replace an ink tank on the operation panel 303 via the controller IF 401. Then, the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 ends. Note that examples of the notification are not limited to display, and may also include audio or the output of a warning lamp, etc.

[0050] As described above, by following the process of FIG. 5, the remaining ink in the ink tank 201 is forcibly supplied to the buffer tank 202, and a notification operation can be performed to prompt the user to replace the ink tank when multiple empty ink tanks are present.

[0051] For example, assume that the cyan ink tank 201c is empty, but the remaining amount in the magenta ink tank 201d is equal to or less than the first predetermined amount for magenta ink. Also assume that the liquid level in the magenta ink buffer tank 202d is above the lower limit detection position and below the upper limit detection position. In this case, if the notification to replace the cyan ink ink tank is delayed until the liquid level in the magenta ink buffer tank 202d falls below the lower limit detection position, the notification may not be timely, depending on the level of ink consumption. In this embodiment, even if the liquid level in the magenta ink buffer tank 202d is above the lower limit detection position, if it is below the upper limit detection position, the remaining ink in the ink tank 201d is forcibly supplied to a position above the upper limit of the buffer tank 202d. This allows the notification to be issued simultaneously to replace both the cyan ink and magenta ink tanks when the magenta ink tank 201d is empty.

[0052] Similarly, a notification can be given for both color inks and white ink together. For example, suppose that when the cyan ink ink tank 201c becomes empty, the remaining amount in the white ink buffer tank 202g is equal to or less than the second predetermined amount for white ink and is above the lower limit detection position. In this case, it is possible to notify the replacement of both the cyan ink and white ink ink tanks together. Note that the entire amount of ink in the replaced white ink ink tank 201g will be supplied to the buffer tank 202g. At this time, the white ink will be supplied beyond the upper limit detection position of the white ink buffer tank 202g.

[0053] An example will be described in which the white ink needs to be replaced first. Assume that the remaining amount in the white ink buffer tank 202g is below the lower limit detection position. Also, assume that the remaining amount in the cyan ink ink tank 201c is equal to or less than a first predetermined amount. In this case, the remaining ink in the ink tank 201c is forcibly supplied from the cyan ink ink tank 201c to the buffer tank 202c. This makes it possible to notify the user that both the cyan ink and white ink ink tanks need to be replaced at the same time.

[0054] As described above, this embodiment allows the user to be notified of the need to replace an ink tank at the appropriate time. That is, when it is time to replace an ink tank, the ink supply from other ink tanks can be adjusted, enabling efficient replacement of multiple empty ink tanks. For example, if an empty ink tank is present among multiple ink tanks and the remaining ink in the ink tanks other than the empty one is below a predetermined level, the remaining ink in the ink tank is forcibly supplied to the ink tank. This forced supply exceeds the upper limit set for normal supply. Then, when multiple empty ink tanks are present, a notification is issued to encourage ink tank replacement. This allows the user to replace multiple empty ink tanks, resulting in efficient replacement work.

[0055] <<Other embodiments>> In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the recording device 100 has multiple first recording heads 102 and second recording heads 103. Here, the first recording heads 102 and second recording heads 103 do not have to be full-line heads, but may be serial type in which ink images are formed by ejecting ink while a detachably mounted carriage is moved in the scanning direction. Also, the recording medium may be sheet paper instead of roll paper 111, in which case a transport mechanism suitable for sheet paper would be provided.

[0056] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the recording apparatus 100 is equipped with one white ink tank 201 and one buffer tank 202, but multiple tanks may be installed. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which white ink is installed, but a configuration in which white ink is not installed and only color inks (for example, only the color ink tank 113) are installed may also be used. If white ink is not installed, the processing described in FIG. 5 can be performed by skipping the processing related to white ink. Specifically, for example, in FIG. 5, steps S502 to S504 and S513 and S514 can be deleted, and the processing can proceed to S505 if a YES determination is made in S501.

[0057] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0058] The disclosure of this embodiment includes configurations typified by the following examples of a recording apparatus and a control method for a recording apparatus.

[0059] <Configuration 1> a first recording head and a second recording head that eject ink; a first buffer tank and a second buffer tank provided corresponding to the first print head and the second print head, respectively storing ink to be supplied to the first print head and the second print head; a first ink tank and a second ink tank provided corresponding to the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank, respectively storing ink to be supplied to the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank, and configured to be detachable; a first estimation means for estimating the amount of ink in the first ink tank and the second ink tank; a second estimation means for estimating the amount of ink in the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank; a first supply process for supplying ink from the first ink tank to the first buffer tank in an amount until the liquid level in the first buffer tank reaches an upper limit position when the second estimation means estimates that the liquid level in the first buffer tank has reached a lower limit position; a second supply process for supplying residual ink from the second ink tank to a liquid level exceeding an upper limit position in the second buffer tank in accordance with the amount of ink in the second ink tank and the amount of ink in the second buffer tank when the first estimation means estimates that the first ink tank is empty of ink; supplying means for performing the above; a notification unit that notifies the user of replacement of the first ink tank and the second ink tank after the second supply process has been performed; A recording device having:

[0060] <Configuration 2> The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein, in the second supply process, if the amount of ink in the second ink tank is equal to or less than a predetermined amount and the liquid level in the second buffer tank does not exceed an upper limit position, the supply means supplies the remaining ink in the second ink tank up to a liquid level in the second buffer tank that exceeds an upper limit position.

[0061] <Configuration 3> 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined amount is determined based on the amount of ink between an upper limit position in the second buffer tank and a leakage prevention position beyond the upper limit position.

[0062] <Configuration 4> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the notification means notifies the user to replace the first ink tank if the first estimation means estimates that the ink in the first ink tank is empty and the remaining ink in the second ink tank is not supplied.

[0063] <Configuration 5> a third recording head that ejects ink having a sediment component; a third buffer tank that stores ink to be supplied to the third print head; a third ink tank configured to store ink to be supplied to the third buffer tank and to be detachable; and the second estimation means further estimates the amount of ink in the third buffer tank, the supply means executes a third supply process to supply all of the ink in the third ink tank to the third buffer tank; 5. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the notification means notifies the user to replace the third ink tank when the second estimation means estimates that the liquid level in the third buffer tank has fallen below a lower limit position.

[0064] <Configuration 6> when the second estimation means estimates that the liquid level in the third buffer tank has fallen below a lower limit position, the supply means executes a fourth supply process to supply the remaining ink in the second ink tank to a liquid level in the second buffer tank that exceeds an upper limit position in accordance with the amount of ink in the second ink tank and the amount of ink in the second buffer tank; 6. The recording apparatus according to configuration 5, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of replacement of the second ink tank and the third ink tank after the supply unit has executed the fourth supply process.

[0065] <Configuration 7> The recording device of configuration 6, wherein the notification means notifies the user to replace the first ink tank and the third ink tank when the first estimation means estimates that the first ink tank is empty and the amount of ink in the third buffer tank is equal to or less than a predetermined amount and is above a lower limit position.

[0066] <Configuration 8> The recording device according to any one of configurations 5 to 7, wherein the capacity of the third ink tank is less than the amount of ink corresponding to the leakage prevention position in the third buffer tank minus the amount of ink corresponding to the lower limit position in the third buffer tank.

[0067] <Configuration 9> 9. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 5 to 8, wherein the third recording head is a recording head that ejects white ink.

[0068] <Configuration 10> 10. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the first recording head and the second recording head are recording heads that eject color inks.

[0069] <Configuration 11> a first recording head and a second recording head that eject ink; a first buffer tank and a second buffer tank provided corresponding to the first print head and the second print head, respectively storing ink to be supplied to the first print head and the second print head; a first ink tank and a second ink tank provided corresponding to the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank, respectively storing ink to be supplied to the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank, and configured to be detachable; a first estimation means for estimating the amount of ink in the first ink tank and the second ink tank; a second estimation means for estimating the amount of ink in the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank; A method for controlling a recording device comprising: a step of executing a first supply process of supplying ink from the first ink tank to the first buffer tank in an amount until the liquid level in the first buffer tank reaches an upper limit position when the second estimation means estimates that the liquid level in the first buffer tank has reached a lower limit position; a step of executing a second supply process in which, when the first estimating means estimates that the first ink tank is empty of ink, the remaining ink in the second ink tank is supplied to a liquid level exceeding an upper limit position in the second buffer tank in accordance with the amount of ink in the second ink tank and the amount of ink in the second buffer tank; a step of notifying replacement of the first ink tank and the second ink tank after the second supply process is performed; A method for controlling a recording apparatus having the above construction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 102 first recording head 201 Ink Tank 202 Buffer Tank 203 Float sensor 204 Supply Pump 211~215 Float 409 Ink supply control unit

Claims

1. a first recording head and a second recording head for ejecting ink; a first buffer tank and a second buffer tank provided corresponding to the first printhead and the second printhead, the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank storing ink to be supplied to the first printhead and the second printhead, respectively; a first ink tank and a second ink tank provided corresponding to the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank, storing ink to be supplied to the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank, respectively, and configured to be detachable; a first estimation means for estimating the amount of ink in the first ink tank and the second ink tank; a second estimation means for estimating an amount of ink in the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank; a first supply process for supplying ink from the first ink tank to the first buffer tank in an amount until the liquid level in the first buffer tank reaches an upper limit position when the second estimation means estimates that the liquid level in the first buffer tank has reached a lower limit position; a second supply process for supplying residual ink from the second ink tank to a liquid level exceeding an upper limit position in the second buffer tank in accordance with an amount of ink in the second ink tank and an amount of ink in the second buffer tank when the first estimation means estimates that the first ink tank is empty of ink; and a supply means for performing a notification means for notifying a user of replacement of the first ink tank and the second ink tank after the second supply process has been performed; A recording device having the above configuration.

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the second supply process, when the amount of ink in the second ink tank is equal to or less than a predetermined amount and the liquid level in the second buffer tank does not exceed an upper limit position, the supplying means supplies the remaining ink in the second ink tank up to a liquid level that exceeds an upper limit position in the second buffer tank.

3. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined amount is determined based on the amount of ink between an upper limit position in the second buffer tank and a leakage prevention position beyond the upper limit position.

4. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the user of the need to replace the first ink tank when the first estimation means estimates that the ink in the first ink tank is empty and the remaining ink in the second ink tank is not supplied.

5. a third recording head for ejecting ink having a sedimentary component; a third buffer tank for storing ink to be supplied to the third print head; a third ink tank configured to store ink to be supplied to the third buffer tank and to be detachable; Further comprising: the second estimation means further estimates the amount of ink in the third buffer tank, the supply means executes a third supply process to supply all of the ink in the third ink tank to the third buffer tank; 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the user of the need to replace the third ink tank when the second estimation means estimates that the liquid level in the third buffer tank has fallen below a lower limit position.

6. the supply means, when it is estimated by the second estimation means that the liquid level in the third buffer tank has fallen below a lower limit position, executes a fourth supply process to supply residual ink in the second ink tank up to a liquid level exceeding an upper limit position in the second buffer tank according to the amount of ink in the second ink tank and the amount of ink in the second buffer tank; 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the notification means notifies the user of replacement of the second ink tank and the third ink tank after the supply means has executed the fourth supply process.

7. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the notification means notifies of replacement of the first ink tank and the third ink tank when the first estimation means estimates that the ink in the first ink tank is empty, and when the amount of ink in the third buffer tank is equal to or less than a predetermined amount and is an amount at a position beyond a lower limit position.

8. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the capacity of said third ink tank is smaller than an amount obtained by subtracting an amount of ink corresponding to a lower limit position in said third buffer tank from an amount of ink corresponding to a leakage prevention position in said third buffer tank.

9. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the third recording head is a recording head that ejects white ink.

10. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording head and the second recording head are recording heads that eject color inks.

11. a first recording head and a second recording head for ejecting ink; a first buffer tank and a second buffer tank provided corresponding to the first printhead and the second printhead, the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank storing ink to be supplied to the first printhead and the second printhead, respectively; a first ink tank and a second ink tank provided corresponding to the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank, storing ink to be supplied to the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank, respectively, and configured to be detachable; a first estimation means for estimating the amount of ink in the first ink tank and the second ink tank; a second estimation means for estimating an amount of ink in the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank; A method for controlling a recording device comprising: a step of executing a first supply process of supplying ink from the first ink tank to the first buffer tank in an amount until the liquid level in the first buffer tank reaches an upper limit position when the second estimation means estimates that the liquid level in the first buffer tank has reached a lower limit position; a step of executing a second supply process, when the first estimating means estimates that the first ink tank is empty of ink, in which residual ink in the second ink tank is supplied to a liquid level exceeding an upper limit position in the second buffer tank according to an amount of ink in the second ink tank and an amount of ink in the second buffer tank; a step of notifying replacement of the first ink tank and the second ink tank after the second supply process is performed; A method for controlling a recording apparatus having the above-mentioned features.

Images